2019 VOTER ELECTION GUIDE INFORMATION NONPARTISAN VOTER INFORMATION COVERING HAMILTON COUNTY, OHIO YOU NEED

IN PERSON VOTE BY MAIL EARLY AT BOARD OF ELECTIONS THREE NOVEMBER 5 WAYS TO POLLS OPEN BALLOTS ACCEPTED SPECIAL HOURS VOTE 6:30 am-7:30pm OCTOBER 8- NOVEMBER 4 OCTOBER 8 - NOVEMBER 4

VOTER GUIDE YOUR PERSONALIZED BALLOT SPONSORS: As well as extended Voter Information including additional questions and information from the candidates and polling place locator, can be found on our voter guide website: www.VOTE411.org About This Guide Featured In This Guide This guide for voters was prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Who Am I Voting For? (LWVCA) to provide a forum for candidates and information on the ballot issues. Hamilton Co. Municipal Court Judges...... 03 The candidate materials in this guide were assembled in the following manner: Hamilton Co. Educational Service School Board...... 06 The information for the Hamilton County candidates was solicited and compiled by the League of City of Cincinnati School Board...... 06 Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area (LWVCA). LWVCA used the following criteria: The questions selected by LWVCA were advertised to the candidates, who were informed that each response would be printed as received and that all candidates would be solely responsible for the content What Ballot Issues Am I Voting for? of their replies. Because of the nonpartisan nature of the guide, candidates were informed any reference to other candidates is prohibited. Because of space limitations, candidates were Village/Township Issues...... 10 informed of the word limit requirements and were advised that any reply over the word limit School Issues...... 11 would be cut off at the correct number. Other District Issues...... 12 In making this information available to the public, the LWVCA neither endorses nor rejects the views of any candidate or political party. The League does not and cannot assume responsibility County Issues...... 12 for any candidate’s reply, or for the candidate’s motive in making it. City Issues...... 13 Judicial candidates separately input information into JudicialVotesCounts.org, a partnership of the League of Women Voters, Ohio Supreme Court, the Bliss Institute of Applied Politics at the University of Akron, Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Newspaper Association, and Ohio ADDITIONAL INFO Association of Broadcasters. This may have additional information beyond what Vote411 About your polling place...... 02 contains, so voters are urged to access it too. Where and when to vote early...... 02 The summaries and background for the Hamilton County, City of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Public Schools ballot issues were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati How to vote by mail...... 02 Area volunteers. Descriptions of other ballot issues come from the Hamilton County Board of What ID to bring to the poll...... 09 Elections. About this guide...... 02 The information in this guide is current as of September 15, 2019. LWVCA’s online voter guide Make Democracy Work...... 16 at VOTE411.org includes additional candidate information not included in this guide, as well as any updates candidates may have made to their profile information after our publication Voter Checklist...... 15 deadline as stated above.

Vote at your polling place on Election Day How do I vote by mail? Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Polls are open from 6:30 am until 7:30 pm. By law, Ohio will not automatically mail absentee ballot if you are in line at 7:30 pm, the polls must stay open to allow you to vote. Contact your county applications to all registered voters in 2019. Board of Elections (call 513-632-7000 or visit www.votehamilton.county.org ) or visit In Ohio you may obtain an absentee ballot for ANY reason. www.VOTE411.org to check your voter registration and to find out your polling place and precinct. Sometimes several precincts share the same polling place. To assure that your vote is You can request an absentee application by calling counted, verify that you are voting in the correct precinct! your Board of Elections (BOE) or download and print one at https://boe.hamilton-co.org/files/files/AV/AV_ Above all, if you are sure you are at the correct polling precinct and voting a regular ballot is not Apps/19MailAppNov%204-8-19.pdf and mail. an option for whatever reason, don’t leave the polls without voting a provisional ballot. The Public Library also has them, and will return them to Vote early in-person the BOE for you. The absentee application must be received at the county Registered voters may vote early beginning on October 8 for the November 5, 2019 election. Board of Elections before Saturday, November 2 at 12 Location for early voting in Hamilton County: Early voting days and hours are as follows: noon, but it is best to send it in early so you have time to receive your ballot in the mail before the return deadline. Hamilton County Board of Elections • Oct 8-25 M-F 8am-5pm, Your county Board of Elections will process your application 4700 Smith Rd. • Oct 28-Nov 1 M-F 8am-7pm, Norwood, OH 45212 and send you an absentee ballot. If you sent in your 513-632-7000 • Nov 2 Saturday 8am-4pm, application but have not yet received a ballot, call your BOE www.votehamiltoncounty.org • Nov 3 Sunday 1-5pm, to make sure they received your application. Complete (for information; there is no online voting) absentee ballots must be postmarked by Monday, • Nov 4 Monday 8am-2pm November 4 if mailed or can be dropped off at the Board of Elections (but NOT at local polling places) by Tuesday, November 5 at 7:30pm.

02 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG QUESTIONS: and patient demeanor is useful within the QUESTIONS: court hearing process. HAMILTON COUNTY A1: I have a balanced legal background. I A1: Ohio Assistant Attorney General, 1983- have worked as a civil attorney, a criminal A3: In general, bail should be set in a range 1987 Associate, White, Getgey and Meyer, MUNICIPAL COURT defense attorney, and a prosecutor. I have from non-monetary to low. The purpose of Co., L.P.A., 1988-1990 Trial Counsel, Juvenile tried cases in juvenile court, municipal court, the money bail is to provide an incentive for Division, Hamilton Co. Public Defender 2000- JUDGE and common pleas court. I have decided an accused individual to attend future court 2003 Judge, Hamilton County Municipal DESCRIPTION: 6 YEAR TERM. Salary thousands of cases as a judge. hearings. Nonviolent offenders should not Court, District 2, 2010 to Present raise significant public safety concerns. A $138,800 A2: I use my listening and analytical skills A2: Including my years of private practice non-monetary to low bail: (1) is consistent RESPONSIBILITIES: Has original jurisdic- on a daily basis to decide cases. I believe I from 1990 through 2010, I argued several with the tenet that a person is innocent until tion in civil cases (auto, neighborhood posses the requisite judicial temperament to cases in the Court of Appeals and I have proven guilty, and (2) avoids punitive pre-trial disputes etc.) involving claims of $15,000 decide cases fairly. argued twice before the Supreme Court of treatment. A person’s history of attending or under, and in criminal cases involving Ohio. I served as a Member of Cincinnati City A3: My philosophy is to always be fair and required hearings should also be considered. Council and as Vice-Mayor and Chaired the misdemeanors in Hamilton County. Con- impartial when setting bail and to consider all Committee on Law and Public Safety. In the ducts preliminary hearings in felony cases. relevant factors in making a decision regard- Tyrone K. Yates Ohio House, I chaired the Committees on 1 to be elected per district - 6 year term. ing bail. OCCUPATION: Hamilton Criminal Law and Prison Inspections. I bring For more information about judicial candi- County Municipal Court to my 9 years on the Ham. Co. Municipal dates visit: JudicialVotesCount.org Judge District 2 Court fairness, impartiality, respect and DISTRICT 2 dignity to every citizen every day. QUESTIONS: EDUCATION: B.A., His- John K. Coleman A3: I have been in the lead of reducing or Each candidate was asked tory, University of Cincin- nati ,1978 Juris Doctor, University of Toledo eliminating cash bail for non-violent offenders OCCUPATION: Magistrate, 1. Describe your legal experience. (250 College of Law,1981 Certificate, Program of in the Hamilton County Municipal Court. In Hamilton County Juvenile character limit) Instruction For Lawyers, Harvard Law School, addition to my own judicial instincts about Court 2. What skills and characteristics would 1986 Executive Education, Harvard Law fairness and proportionality, I also met with a you bring to the judicial role? (500 charac- EDUCATION: University of School, Certificates in Negotiation, Kennedy policy maker at the Ohio Justice Policy Center ter limit) Cincinnati College of Law School of Government, Certificate, Leader- to confirm my views and this deepened my - Juris Doctorate, May 1997; Ohio State Uni- ship in the 21st Century, Massachusetts knowledge of the need for setting very low or 3. What is your philosophy on setting bail versity - M.B.A., Human Res. Concentration, Institute of Technology, Certificate, Entrepre- Own Recognizance Bail terms. A high propor- for nonviolent offenders? (500 character June 1994; GMI Engineering & Management neurial Negotiations , Certificates,University tion of defendants in Municipal Court are the limit) Inst. - B.S. in Mgmt Systems, Marketing of California, Berkeley Law and University of county’s poorest, unemployed or low wage For more information about judicial candi- Concentration, June 1990 Pennsylvania :Law School. earners. dates visit: JudicialVotesCount.org WORK EXPERIENCE: When I first graduated WORK EXPERIENCE: I have worked in from college I worked as a District Sales the Ohio Attorney General’s Office as an DISTRICT 3 Manager for General Motors. I returned Assistant Attorney General of Ohio for Civil to school and worked in various student Rights and Workers Compensation. I joined Ted Berry DISTRICT 1 positions until graduating from law school. the law firm of White, Getgey and Meyer as Following law school, I opened a solo an Associate from 1988-1990. In 1990 I was OCCUPATION: Judge, Hamil- Dwane Mallory practice. I gained experience in Domestic appointed to serve on Cincinnati City Council. ton County Municipal Court Relations, Personal Injury, Probate, Criminal, I then served as a Trial Counsel in the PD’s EDUCATION: I received an OCCUPATION: Hamilton and Landlord-Tenant. Next, I worked as a Office from 2000 -2003. I was elected to the Undergraduate Degree in County Municipal Court Public Defender. For the past several years, I Ohio House from 2003-2010 and appointed History from the University Judge have served as a Magistrate in the Hamilton to the Hamilton County Municipal Court in of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from The George- EDUCATION: Chase College County Juvenile Court. 2010 where I have served through the pres- town University Law Center. ent. of Law, Juris Doctor College AFFILIATIONS: Ohio Association of Magis- WORK EXPERIENCE: Before I became a of Mount Saint Joseph, Bachelor of Science, trates; NAACP AFFILIATIONS: Vestry, St. Andrews Episcopal Judge, I worked as a Trial Attorney in the Accounting Church, Evanston Board, Soteni International ENDORSEMENTS: Fraternal Order of Police, areas of Employment, Whistleblower, Civil WORK EXPERIENCE: Trial Attorney, Hamilton (HIV/AIDS Prevention, Kenya, East Africa) Queen City Lodge 69 Rights, Personal Injury, Product Liability Law, County Law Office of the Public Defender Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati Life Wrongful Death, and other civil matters . I Assistant City Solicitor, City of Cincinnati QUESTIONS: Member, NAACP Member, Cincinnati Bar As- was a Trial Attorney for Allstate Insurance Assistant City Prosecutor, City of Cincinnati sociation Member, Ohio State Bar Associa- A1: (1) Solo Practitioner - Law Office of John Company, Nationwide Insurance Company, Investigator, Office of Municipal Investigation, tion Bar, United States District Court, SD of K. Coleman: 1999 - 2000 (2) Trial Attorney and The Ohio Casualty Group. I also served City of Cincinnati Law Clerk, Hamilton County Ohio Life Member, Navy League of the United with Hamilton County Public Defender’s Of- as a Law Clerk for the United States District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Accountant, States Life Member, Harriet Beecher Stowe fice: 2001 - 2010 (3) Magistrate in Hamilton Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Capital Finance, University of Cincinnati County Juvenile Court, Dependency Division: House Life Member, ASALH Life Member, Hospital Assistant State Auditor, Auditor of 2011 - Present American Angus Association Alpha Phi Alpha AFFILIATIONS: Lifetime Member of NAACP, State of Ohio Fraternity, Inc. Delta Gamma Lambda Chapter Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati A2: I will bring multiple beneficial skills and Treasurer, The Argus Club Hamilton County (BLAC) Community Action Agency (CAA), Ohio AFFILIATIONS: American Judges Association, characteristics to a judicial role. I possess Democratic Party State Bar Association, Cincinnati Bar Asso- Member Ohio State Bar Association, Member very strong written and oral communication ciation, Association of Municipal and County Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Member ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Demo- skills. I am highly ethical, fair, and profes- Judges of Ohio (AMCJO), FOCAS Ministries, cratic Party Equality PAC AFL-CIO Labor Coun- ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Demo- sional. I am able to quickly synthesize large Lord’s Gym cil Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund cratic Party quantities of information and determine what is most important. I have strong critical PAC Bold New Democracy ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Demo- thinking and analytical skills. I have excellent cratic Party interpersonal skills. Finally, my calm, positive, CONTINUES ON PAGE 04 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG 03 Director or Chief Legal Officer of Norwood, & possible because they know the quickest way release any nonviolent offender on their own CONTINUED FROM PAGE 03 in a criminal defense practice out is through a plea. Each municipal court recognizance pending trial. judge has the discretion over thousands of A2: As your Judge, I’ve presided over more QUESTIONS: cases a year. Heather S. Russell than 20,000 cases and earned a reputation A1: I was admitted to practice Law in the as a Judge who always follows the law as OCCUPATION: Municipal State of Ohio in 1989, the US District Court written, treats everyone in the courtroom with Court Judge for the Southern District of Ohio in 1990, the dignity & respect, and works hard do justice, DISTRICT 5 EDUCATION: UC College of US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in one case at a time. I took an oath to uphold Kari L. Bloom 1992, and the Supreme Court of the United the Constitution, and to serve all of the Law Fellow, Urban Morgan States in 1993. people of this community fairly & impartially. Institute of International OCCUPATION: Felony Trial Human Rights, Miami U of Ohio, B.A., French, A2: Since 2005, I have exclusively served as I am proud of my record as your Judge and I Lawyer, Hamilton County am honored to serve the people of Hamilton Miami U of Ohio, A.B., International Studies, a Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge. Public Defender’s Office Walnut Hills High School I have been and will continue to be a firm County on the Municipal Court. EDUCATION: I received my WORK EXPERIENCE: Fellow, UC Law’s but fair Judge who impartially determines A3: In any criminal case, Ohio law requires B.A. at Bowling Green State each individual case on its particular facts, that I set a bond that is reasonably cal- Urban Morgan Institute for International University in 2008. In 2011 I graduated from Human Rights, Recruiter, UC Law, Bolsinger circumstances, and based on the applicable culated to 1. ensure that the Defendant the University of Cincinnati, College of Law. law and the evidence. I sentence those who appears in court for trial; and 2. protect the and Keller LLC, Hamilton County Assistant have been convicted based on the crime, public. Ohio’s Constitution also requires that I WORK EXPERIENCE: While in law school, Prosecutor 1984-2001, Hamilton County their criminal history and in accordance with consider the victim’s concerns before setting I had a fellowship at The Children’s Law Municipal Court Judge, 2002-present the particular circumstances involved and I bond. Other factors include the seriousness Center in Covington, Kentucky. I represented AFFILIATIONS: Miami U Alumni Assoc, UC also sentence those who need treatment and of the allegations, if the Defendant has previ- children and their civil and criminal rights in Law Alumni Assoc, American Assoc of Trial counseling. ously failed to appear in court when required, Ohio courts, schools, and detention centers. Judges, Natl Council on Juv and Family Ct After law school I worked as a civilian for A3: I set Nominal or Own Recognizance (OR) employment status, ties to the community, Judges, Ohio State Bar Assoc, Cincinnati Bar and any mental health or substance abuse the United States Air Force, before starting Assoc, Ohio Commission on Juries, Ohio As- Bonds for Non- Violent Defendants. The my career as a public defender in 2012. In purpose of bond is two- fold: 1. To protect issues. soc of Municipal Court Judges, Ohio Supreme 2014 I moved to Columbus, Ohio and worked Court Domestic Violence Advisory Committee the public, the alleged victim, if any, and the John Kennedy for the Ohio Public Defender as a legislative surrounding community; and 2. To assure the (2010-2015), Hamilton County Domestic Vio- liaison, and returned to the Hamilton County lence Coordinating Committee (1995-2014), defendant’s attendance for all future Court OCCUPATION: Director of Public Defender in 2017. Women Helping Women’s Tom Oberschmidt proceedings. Our limited jail space should be Common Pleas Division of AFFILIATIONS: National Association of Committee 1984-2013, Past President Valley reserved for violent offenders, drug traffick- the Public Defender’s Office ers, repeat offenders, and for other serious Criminal Defense Lawyers, Ohio Association Temple Sisterhood, Life Member Hadassah, EDUCATION: Miami charges. of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Cincinnati As- ENDORSEMENTS: Cincinnati AFL-CIO, Greater University--Bachelor’s Degree sociation of Criminal Defense Lawyers Cincinnati Right to Life, Equality Cincinnati, in Political Science University of Cincinnati- ENDORSEMENTS: Cincinnati Women’s FOP Lodge 69, Ironworkers Union Local 44, -Juris Doctorate DISTRICT 4 Political Caucus Hamilton County Democratic Hamilton County Republican Party, others are WORK EXPERIENCE: Eight years with the Party pending at time of submission Josh Berkowitz Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS: OCCUPATION: Judge of the QUESTIONS: A1: Experience in research, writing, contract- A1: 17 yr prosecutor: prepared & tried bench Hamilton County Municipal A1: My passion for indigent defense was ing for the Air Force, represented juveniles & jury trials; researched &argued pretrial & Court sparked by my time with the Ohio Innocence and adults in trials, lobbied, worked on state- post conviction motions; negotiated pleas.18 EDUCATION: J.D., Capital Project. After graduation I have spent my en- wide legislative committees, Supreme Court yrs as a judge presiding over these same University Law School B.A., tire career representing indigent defendants Sentencing Commission, and Ohio Criminal criminal issues+18 yrs of presiding over civil Ohio State and fighting for a more fair and impartial Justice Recodification Committee. bench & jury trials & motions. system. WORK EXPERIENCE: Law Director, City of A2: I bring a wide array of legal experience, A2: A listener; respectful; patient; com- Norwood, 2012-2015. Assistant Prosecuting A2: I bring a new perspective to the Hamilton a statewide network of legal resources, and passionate; neutral; articulate; diligent; Attorney, Hamilton County, Ohio - 2008-2015. County Courts. No one currently on the legislative and government budget knowl- consistent; passionate about improving life Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Franklin Coun- bench has spent their careers representing edge. I’ve have a lengthy training transcript for ALL--to support one “side” not necessarily ty, Ohio - 2007- 2008. Law Office of Robert those who appear most often in court. My and occasionally teach classes to other at the expense of the other “side;” well- F. Krapenc & J. Scott Weisman, Columbus, experience with thousands of clients have lawyers on different topics in criminal law. My reasoned decisions; rarely reversed; 1 of 3 Ohio, 2006-2007. shown me the problems with the system as entire career is built on public service and Oh judges to have collaborated with police, it currently exists. The biggest problem that sheriff, admin, service providers to create & Family: Married to Beth Berkowitz, with 3 becoming a trusted advocate for all people. I currently exists is bail--too many people are document the structure and processes to children. care about the people who work in and come locked up for low level non-violent offenses before the court, and work with passion and get Oh Sup Ct specialty court certification ENDORSEMENTS: Fraternal Order of Police, because they are poor. I would bring an objec- compassion towards the fair administration for Human Trafficking Court.35 yrs of legal Queen City Lodge 69. Cincinnati Right to tivity to the bench that does not exist in every of justice. experience. Trauma informed Life PAC. Hamilton County Republican Party. municipal courtroom A3: The law requires a judge to consider Plumbers, Pipefitters, & MES Union Local A3: Bail policies are moving towards a binary A3: Too many people in Hamilton County are each case individually depending on in- 392. Ironworkers Union Local 44. system: release or hold- removing the mon- locked up on low level, non-violent offenses etary aspect of bail entirely. Nonviolent, and/ dividual circumstances. Barring unusual QUESTIONS: simply because they are too poor to pay. I or low-level offenders should be released circumstances, non violent low level offend- A1: I’ve served as Judge for 4.5 years, have had countless clients who cannot make subsequent to arrest, or should be cited to ers should receive OR bond or be cited to presiding over more than 20,000 cases. I a $100 bail and subsequently lose their job, court. Law enforcement officers have the abil- court & not arrested for a 1st appearance on previously served as a felony trial prosecutor, housing, and possibly their children. This ity to cite most people to court, rather than a case. fighting for justice for crime victims, & as Law system of pretrial incarceration also incentiv- physically arrest them. In general, for those izes defendants to plead guilty as soon as who are physically arrested, Judges should

04 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG ment in which the public are confident that QUESTIONS: ENDORSEMENTS: Fraternal Order of Police, unbiased and equal justice is being done, Queen City Lodge 69; Hamilton County Re- DISTRICT 6 A1: Private Complaint Mediation Service, In- and litigants are confident that their argu- publican Party; Cincinnati Right to Life PAC ternship with a Federal Judge, Internship with Mike Peck ments are being fully considered. As a judge, the City of Cincinnati, Private Law Practice, QUESTIONS: decisiveness and consistency in decision LexisNexis Sr. Legal Consultant, and Felony OCCUPATION: Hamilton making will be my hallmarks. I have exhibited A1: Prior to becoming a judge I served as Trial Counsel with the Hamilton County Public County Assistant Prosecu- these traits practicing law; treating all parties an assistant prosecutor for 23 years. I Defender’s Office. tor ProSeniors, Inc., Hotline with compassion, while clearly stating my prosecuted cases ranging from disorderly Attorney Law Director, Village opinion. A2: I have a unique and diverse background conduct, sexual assaults, drug trafficking to of St. Bernard with experience in finding solutions and murder. I worked with law enforcement agen- A3: The factors that a judge should consider programs designed to keep people out of the cies across Hamilton County. EDUCATION: Franciscan University of Steu- in setting bail rightly include the nature and justice system. I am patient, and under- benville, Ohio. B.A. Ave Maria School of Law, circumstances of the crime charged. If the al- A2: Municipal court requires judges that stand the importance of treating citizens J.D. leged crime is clearly nonviolent, this should are dedicated to preserving the rights of all who encounter our court system with dignity be considered in determining the type of bail, before the bench as well as preserving the WORK EXPERIENCE: For 15 Years I have and respect. As a Judge I will be fair, and including personal recognizance. However, safety of the community. I work diligently to been an Assistant Prosecutor, litigating nearly impartial. 50 jury trials including child rape and murder I would consider all factors required by law, move cases as expeditiously as possible. I cases. For the last 10 years I have worked including the weight of the evidence against A3: Nonviolent offenders should be released listen to all sides, and do not rush to a deci- in the evening as a Hotline Attorney, giving the accused, the ties that the accused has to without paying a monetary bond. Often, the sion until I’ve had an opportunity to review all seniors free legal advice. For 4 years I have the community, and whether the accused is people who are held in lieu of posting a the evidence. I seek input from experts when been the Law Director of the Village of St. on probation, post release control, or parole. monetary bond are people who are least able dealing with matters pertaining to addiction, to pay, and who often end up losing their job, mental health issues and recovery issues. I Bernard, and for the prior 6 years, a village Arica Underwood council person. I began my career with a car, home, and children. have a well developed knowledge of the law. small civil practice and as an editor for the OCCUPATION: Felony Trial A3: Bond is to ensure a defendant’s ap- online research firm LexisNexis. Counsel Hamilton County DISTRICT 7 pearance at trial and to preserve community AFFILIATIONS: Ohio Bar Association, Ohio Public Defender safety as a matter moves through the court Prosecuting Attorneys Association Gwen Bender system. In setting bond, I rely on a report EDUCATION: Walnut Hills prepared by pretrial services that assesses ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Repub- High School; Tuskegee Uni- OCCUPATION: Judge, Hamil- the defendant’s ties to the community and lican Party, Cincinnati Right to Life, Fraternal versity - B.A.; University of Cincinnati College ton County Municipal Court the number of times previously the defendant Order of Police, Queen City Lodge No. 69 of Law - J.D. appeared as required. These factors are EDUCATION: J.D., University QUESTIONS: WORK EXPERIENCE: Private Practice, Lexis- considered, along with the crime with which of Cincinnati College of Law; Nexis, Hamilton County Public Defender the defendant is charged. I do not have a set A1: I am a litigator who has handled thou- B.A., Saint Mary’s College policy for nonviolent offenders-all factors are sands of criminal cases including hundreds AFFILIATIONS: Ohio Association of Criminal (Notre Dame, Indiana); Seton High School considered. of bench trials in Juvenile, Municipal, and Defense Lawyers, Cincinnati Association of WORK EXPERIENCE: I have served as a Common Pleas Courts. I have tried nearly Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Associa- municipal court judge since February, 2017. 50 jury trials. On a free legal hotline, I advise tion of Public Defenders Prior to this, I served my community as an Ohio seniors on many legal issues. ENDORSEMENTS: Cincinnati Women’s assistant prosecutor for 23 years. A2: I bring a judicial temperament that is Political Caucus Hamilton County Democratic patient and respectful to those that come Party before the court. This will create an environ-

How to Find out About Judicial Candidates Voters often don’t have much information about judicial candidates. Because most citizens do not routinely interact with judges in their communities, they tend to know very little about how judges conduct themselves in the course of doing their jobs. In addition, state rules do not allow judicial candidates to discuss their views on controversial issues because judges must be impartial on the bench. It is impor- tant for voters to understand the role of the courts and the important qualities to consider when evaluating judicial candidates. To learn about candidates for judge in your area consider reading candidates’ campaign literature, visiting campaign websites, and talking with people who know the candidates, including practicing attorneys. The League of Women Voters of Ohio again this year joins the Ohio State Bar Association, the Bliss Institute for Applied Politics at the University of Akron, the Ohio Newspaper Association and Ohio Broad- casters Association in a statewide, nonpartisan, online judicial voter’s guide at www.judicialvotescount.org. In order to make a decision, when voting on judicial candidates, consider the answers to the following questions: To what extent has the candidate practiced in the area(s) of law the court handles? See Vote411.org for What work or other experience has the candidate had that will particularly qualify the candidate to perform the duties of a judge on this information Candidates court? What is the candidate’s legal philosophy? Political philosophy? may have added after Consider the candidate’s integrity, judicial temperament, and level of commitment to public service and the administration of justice. print deadline Also, consider who is paying for any advertising about any particular judicial election. For our democracy to function, judges must carry out their tasks impartially and independently. Judges’ decisions should not follow public opinion or promote special interests or even reflect their personal beliefs. Judges’ decisions should be based on facts and law. This judicial impartiality protects fair trials and upholds the rule of law.

WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG 05 EXPERIENCE: I am a former President of the stakeholders, governmental partners, col- SCHOOL BOARD College Hill Redevelopment Corporation, Mt. laborative educational colleagues in order to CINCINNATI CITY SCHOOL Healthy City Council Member, and Hamilton reflect the widest array of opinion. The Board DISTRICT - BOARD OF County Recorder. This is my third term on the incorporates those views by reaching a board HAMILTON COUNTY EDUCATION MEMBER School Board where I served as President, consensus for action. VP and Finance and Student Achievement DESCRIPTION: 4 year term; Salary: $125 A4: true EDUCATIONAL SERVICE Chairs per meeting CENTER - GOVERNING A5: The District’s achievement trends are ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Demo- RESPONSIBILITIES: 7 seats, staggered. on the upswing. In fact the results of previ- BOARD MEMBER cratic Party, Cincinnati Democratic Commit- Elected on a non-partisan ballot by voters ous district initiatives have positioned us to tee, AFL-CIO, CFT, AFSCME, Equality Cincin- DESCRIPTION: 4 year term; Salary: $125 within the Cincinnati School District. The develop the new Strategic Plan. The plan’s nati, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus and per meeting, plus mileage ($5000/year board is a policy making body, but exer- comprehensive scope and focused measure- as of this printing am seeking others as well. limit) cises only those powers delegated to it by ments will accelerate achievement. state law. It chooses its own officers. AFFILIATIONS: Ohio School Board Associa- RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides professional A6: 4 tion, OSBA State Cabinet, the 1st CD Repre- special educational auxiliary services that 3 to be Elected. 4 Year Term school districts may contract to purchase. sentative to the Federal Relations Network, A7: This community/district partnership has These Contract services are used by QUESTIONS: OSBA Urban Network. I have now been reduced preschool deserts, increased seats, the number of providers and elevated quality districts in Hamilton County and by some 1. What are the greatest challenges facing appointed to the Ohio Professional Educators ratings. Cincinnati Public preschools have districts in Butler County. Five Governing Cincinnati Public Schools? (500 character Standards Board. I am a board member of expanded while maintaining their Five Star Board members are elected to four-year limit) Wordplay, Cancer Justice Network and Grad staggered terms. The superintendent and Cincinnati. Rating and enhanced our schools. CEO is appointed. 2. What is the role of the Board of Educa- tion in relation to the CPS Administration? POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: While in my heart Marlena Brookfield Comprised of seven Local School Districts. (500 character limit) I still am a KENNEDY/JOHNSON Democrat, 4 year term. 2 to be elected. intellectually I am very much a 19th Century EDUCATION: Western Hills 3. How do you see your role as commu- Republican, (A.LINCOLN/ and T.ROOSEVELT,). High School, 2003 -Salutato- Candidates (choose 2): nications liaison between the community I believe, as Lincoln said; “ The legitimate ob- rian -National Honor Society and the school system? (500 character ject of government, is to do for a community University of Cincinnati, B.A. limit) of people, whatever they need to have done, Linguistics 2007 -Magna but can’t do, at all, or can not, so well do, for Cum Laude, with Honors -Golden Key Interna- Fred Hunt 4. Agree/Disagree: The 3-year Strategic Plan for CPS will increase academic themselves in their separate, and individual tional Honour Society -Phi Beta Kappa capacities”. As for public education, the achievement. OCCUPATION: I work as a full-time parent of Candidate did not respond as of print date American Dream only works as well as public a Cincinnati Public Schools’ student, and vol- Tim Wagner 5. Explanation (Optional) - 250 character schools deliver educational equity. limit unteer outside my home both in our schools QUESTIONS: and in our communities. Candidate did not respond as of print date 6. How would you rate the success of the Cincinnati PreSchool Promise to date? A1: The perpetual CPS challenge is address- EXPERIENCE: Golden Key, University of Cin- ing the social determinants that influence cinnati - Meeting Coordinator; School Board 7. Explanation (Optional) - 250 character educational outcomes. With a diverse, School - Class 1; Dater High School LSDMC limit economically disadvantaged, and mobile stu- - Parent representative; Westside Democratic dent population, achievement is attained at Club - Treasurer; CPS Strategic Engagement huge financial cost and great human effort. and Planning Committee - appointed member 3 to be elected: Compounding that is the unfair and discrimi- WRITE-IN ENDORSEMENTS: Ohio Students for Gun natory ODE interpretation of data reflected in Legislation; Our Progressive Future; Cincy Eve Bolton the Ohio Report Card. A card that correlates CANDIDATES Indivisible; Cincinnati Women’s Political more closely with wealth than achievement. Caucus; Democracy for America; Brian Garry, This Voter Guide identifies EDUCATION: I am a gradu- The current challenge for CPS is our unprec- Cincinnati City Council candidate; Robert K. write-in candidates by ate of Cincinnati Public at- edented growth in enrollment. tending Sayler Park, College Hoggard, candidate for Board of Rochester placing (Write-in) next to Hill, Schwab Jr. High and A2: The role of the Board is to envision the City Schools their name. You can also future of the District and set the appropriate Aiken High. I attended and AFFILIATIONS: Cincinnati Educational Justice course of action by establishing the District’s get a write-in list from your completed my college career at the College Coalition; Parents for Public Schools of Great- Goals, Vision and Mission. From those Precinct Election Official of Wooster. There I received an Ohio Teaching er Cincinnati; True Colors; Dater High School parameters, the Board holds the Superinten- Certificate in Secondary Education, a BA in LSDMC; Greater Cincinnati Democrats; (PEO). To vote for a write- dent, Treasurer, General Counsel and Internal Political Science, a minor in Theatre Arts and Moms Demand Action; Bold New Democracy; in candidate, completely Auditor accountable for attaining its goals, participated in the Washington and United Westside Democratic Club darken the box to the Nations Semesters. At U.C and Columbia vision and mission. According to the Ohio left of the blank line and University and Harvard University, I have stud- Revised Code, as the District’s taxing agent, POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: Progressive; I the Board is also solely responsible for believe the way forward rests with We the write in the candidate’s ied at the graduate level in order to increase my knowledge for my work. securing sufficient and required funds for the People reclaiming the powers delegated to us name as it appears on District’s work. as citizens in a democracy. Our elected lead- OCCUPATION: My teaching career was spent ers must never be allowed to forget that they the write-in list. Ask your A3: The Board, through at-large elections and at Wyoming High teaching Social Studies serve at our will, and we must never forget PEO for help if you have staggered four year terms represents the and directing the school theatre program. I to keep holding them accountable by actively community in all of its demographic diversity questions. was the Teachers Union President. Our A.P engaging and participating in the process of and educational needs. The Board, through U.S Government students achieved #1 in the democracy. world on the 50th anniversary of the College noticed public meetings, committee agendas, Boards. community gatherings and transparent com- QUESTIONS: munication, works closely with its community

06 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG A1: Lack of adequate funding; it is highly That people are stronger with limited federal ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Demo- Rehabilitation Counseling from the University improbable and downright unreasonable to government oversight, with opportunity to cratic Party Cincinnati Federation of Teachers of Cincinnati. expect growing school districts to provide the be small business owners, work together as Equality Cincinnati AFL-CIO OCCUPATION: My professional career spans same quality education with less and less, a community to solve issues, strong local AFFILIATIONS: African American Leadership over 40 years of service as a Mental Health but that is exactly the situation Cincinnati government, a right to equitable education, Development, Class XIV Leadership Cincin- Professional in private and public sector Public Schools and other districts across affordable healthcare that focuses on a well- nati, Class 38 Fellow, Center for Progressive mental health services delivery. I retired in the country are in. School funding does ness model, and use the Constitution as our Leadership Grassroots Leadership Academy January, 2019, from The Hamilton County not increase proportionally with enrollment roadmap to ensure every individual has life, and Train the Trainer Graduate Sports Editor, Mental Health and Recovery Services Board. numbers. liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Cincinnati Herald Member, United States EXPERIENCE: First elected to Cincinnati Pub- A2: To put it simply, the Board of Education QUESTIONS: Basketball Writers Association lic Schools Board of Education in November, is a governing body, while District Administra- A1: The greatest challenges facing Cincin- POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: Progressive 2015, I have served as President for the tion manages day-to-day operations. As such, nati Public Schools are being able to meet past two years. I bring experience in working the Board is responsible for determining the QUESTIONS: the needs of the whole child, improving the with and advocating for children and families, vision, mission, and goals of Cincinnati Public school report card, and student transporta- A1: The challenge is ensuring that the through direct services and policy work. Schools, and making policy and/or financial tion. CPS has implemented a Whole Child resources available are communicated and decisions based upon them. Administration, ENDORSEMENTS: I have received the follow- Model in the past and needs to continue connected to our students and families. then, is tasked with implementing these deci- ing Endorsements: Hamilton County Demo- implementing this in order to continue meet- We also have to ensure that we are utilizing sions based on how well a particular method cratic Party Cincinnati Federation of Teachers ing students where they are. One component Distance Learning to ensure offerings at our supports and aligns with the shared vision, Cincinnati AFL - CIO Cincinnati Women’s of meeting students where they are is provid- high schools are available across the District, mission, and goals. Political Caucus Equality Cincinnati PAC ing them with transportation to school when regardless of what school you go to. Also, our A3: I take the serve part of public ser- school starts. High Schools are not geographically bound. AFFILIATIONS: Member, NAACP Ohio School vant very seriously; so while school board This cost students transportation time and Board Association Board of Trustees OSBA A2: I believe the role of CPS is governance. members are not direct representatives for creates additional funding needs. This also SW Regional Executive Committee The Board sets the mission, vision, and goals constituents the same way other elected limits our effectiveness at utilizing neighbor- for the school year and approves the budget. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: I am firmly officials are, such as City Council members, hood partnerships. They write/implement policies and create grounded in the values and belief that social I will continue to be present in our neighbor- relationships between community partners to A2: The role of the Board of Education is to justice, equality, and equity are fundamental hoods and school communities to exchange ensure they are able to support the adminis- offer guidance and evaluation to the Super- rights of all people. All children are entitled useful information and help maintain lines of tration in their initiatives. It’s important that intendent and the Treasurer. To that end, we to public education that includes culturally communication. the Board allows the superintendent to carry work with the Superintendent to determine relevant, quality academic content, social and A4: true her duties without interfering and report back how our gifts and resources best assist the life preparation, which inherently prepares to the board with updates. Administration. them to be productive as “influencers” in A5: With all necessary resources and sup- their communities. port systems in place, our students can A3: CPS should focus on building strong rela- A3: Ensuring that the District stay true to our reach any bar we set. The Strategic Plan is tionships with City Council and City Adminis- goal of Community Collaboration is my role QUESTIONS: as liaison, Being available to the community extremely ambitious, and will require partici- tration. Working together the two can address A1: The greatest challenges of the district and ensuring that the District Administration pation from community members to ensure it and combat issues that affect students in are 1) local and state school funding; 2) clos- is informed of questions, comments, and is carried off successfully. the district. An alliance between the two is ing the achievement gap; 3) growth in District crucial for the success of the community. concerns heard from our various community A6: 4 enrollment; and 4) operational challenges in sectors. Additionally, motivating parents and The community should know what growth, transportation system. School funding poses A7: The Cincinnati Preschool Promise is an other community stakeholders to maintain or lack thereof, is happening in student legislative implications; focus on equity and excellent idea which I fully support. There interest in the District by ensuring that achievement. This should be communicated excellence leads to closing the achieve- are a few kinks in the implementation still there is someone fighting for their desires. at the public Board meetings and committee ment gap; growth in enrollment is a good being worked out, but I look forward to being Ultimately, there is no success without true meetings. thing; and transportation will be significantly a partner in the process as a member of the collaboration. A4: true improved. The District continues to focus CPS Board of Education. A4: true intentionally on addressing these subjects A5: - no response - with transparency. Heather M. Couch A5: The Strategic plan was composed with A6: 3 the objective of academic achievement in A2: The relationship between the Board and EDUCATION: I graduated A7: - no response - mind. By measuring equity, engagement, and the CPS Administration is crucial to the op- from Mount St. Joseph excellence, the Strategic Plan will lead to erational success of the district. The Board’s University, BA in Music Edu- Ozie Davis III academic achievement. primary responsibility is governance and cation in 2013 I graduated (Write-In) policy development and the Administration’s A6: 4 from Xavier University, MA in responsibility is management, implementa- School Counseling in 2016. EDUCATION: JD, Indiana A7: Despite a slow start, the CPP initiative tion, and evaluation. The role as a Board OCCUPATION: School Counselor, Mental University MS, Indiana Uni- has started to do what we intended it to do. member and that of Administration are Health Counselor Trainee versity BA, Miami University As a Co-Chair of Issue 44, we were commit- crucially aligned and requires open and clear HS, Walnut Hills High School ted to increasing quality preschool opportu- communication around expectations. EXPERIENCE: I was the school counselor at Elementary, Rockdale and Burton nity for more three and four year olds and we A3: Community engagement is an essential Covington Latin School from 2016-2019. I’m have done that. finishing my mental health licensure at St. OCCUPATION: Consultant and necessary component of CPS processes Aloysius. In 2020, my book on the first-year EXPERIENCE: ED, Avondale Comprehensive Carolyn Jones at all levels. As the voice of public interest, school counseling experience will be for sale. Development Corporation Community Liaison, the community can express opinions, offer EDUCATION: I received both insight/information and guidance, and share ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Republi- Office of Congressman Steve Driehaus my undergraduate degree in interests with Board Members and Adminis- can Party Program Officer, Local Initiatives Support Cor- poration Community Safety Program Manager, Social Work (1970) and my tration. Creating viable partnerships through POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: I believe in a Local Initiatives Support Corporation graduate degree (1990) in open communication is essential and cre- government for the people and by the people. CONTINUES ON PAGE 08 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG 07 district and then hold the superintendent and POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: All people, regard- in advocating for all stakeholders and I’m CONTINUED FROM PAGE 07 treasurer accountable for making progress less of race, gender, age or sexual orienta- comfortable networking in order to secure the against those outcomes. For me, a key part tion should be treated equally. I have always resources necessary to help meet the goals ates venues for building trust. As a Board of that vision is an uncompromising belief been drawn to challenge unfair treatment ENDORSEMENTS: Hamilton County Republi- member, I value opportunities to share and in the potential and dignity of all children. of others. My profession has taught me to can Party express ideas. The board’s job is to inform policy making advocate, empower, encourage and advocate A4: true and lead oversight; it is not to be involved in for those who do not have a voice. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: I believe in a every-day management. government that responds to the needs of its WORK EXPERIENCE: I have provided Mental A5: Through the lens of equity, the District’s people and demonstrates fiscal responsibil- A3: My role is first and foremost to represent Health Services to children and families for community designed Strategic Plan lays out ity. a “Roadmap to Destination Cincinnati Public the hopes, needs, and aspirations of the kids over 20 years in numerous settings, residen- Schools”. Students will be prepared for life in CPS and their families. It is my responsibil- tial, partial hospital settings; both in-home BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Born and through academic achievement, personal ity to understand those hopes and advocate and in-school also. raised within the OTR community and after a for them from the board and in the broader time in the military came home to give back well-being, and career readiness. EMPLOYER: Central Clinic Behavior Health community. My job is also to share back to my community. I wanted others to have the Services A6: 4 with the community evidence of how those opportunities I was given to be a success. . I A7: Through collaborative efforts of Cincin- perspectives informed decisions, where we QUALIFICATIONS: City of Cincinnati Resident, wish to bring a real-world perspective to CPS nati Preschool Promise’s oversight entities to are making progress, and where we have Cincinnati Public Schools Parent, Community leadership Partner. achieve established goals around its commit- more work to do. WORK EXPERIENCE: 24 years as a special ment to high quality preschool, the evaluation A4: true POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None education teacher 3 years working in Higher of key outcomes has been initiated. education 12 years with the US Army A5: It has the potential to increase achieve- AFFILIATIONS: Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Ben Lindy ment because it focuses on key issues like Sorority Inc., Sigma Omega Chapter EMPLOYER: Cincinnati Public Schools meeting the needs of students, health, and QUESTIONS: QUALIFICATIONS: I have a diverse back- EDUCATION: Walnut Hills safety. However, leadership and an ongoing ground of military service, higher education, High School, Yale College, A1: The greatest challenges facing the commitment to community engagement will PK-12 education and leadership experience. Yale Law School District is the upcoming tax Renewal Levy. In be critical to its success. I believe in advocating for all stakeholders addition, a good challenge facing Cincin- OCCUPATION: Executive and I’m comfortable networking in order to A6: 4 nati Public School district is the rate of our Director, Teach For America - secure the resources necessary to help meet A7: It is off to a strong start but requires on- expanding enrollment. Meeting the needs of Southwest Ohio the goal going evaluation prior to renewal. Preschool families choosing Cincinnati Public Schools EXPERIENCE: Cincinnati is my home. I grew makes an enormous difference for kids and for their children’s education. POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Past candidate for up here and graduated from CPS. I’m also CPS Board parents. We should continue to assess the A2: As a board member, I am a part of a the proud dad of two young kids who will be extent to the program is enrolling new fami- team who sets policies and oversees the AFFILIATIONS: na CPS students. I bring 15 years of experience lies in high quality preschools. Administration’s management of running the working in public education to this race, start- QUESTIONS: school district. ing as a public school teacher. A1: Financial Transparency Vocational Oppor- A3: As a School Board Member, community ENDORSEMENTS: Charter Committee of CINCINNATI CITY SCHOOL tunities Attracting Highly Qualified Teachers engagement is crucial to making sure the tax Greater Cincinnati DISTRICT - BOARD OF and Administrators paying community members are knowledge- AFFILIATIONS: Democrat EDUCATION MEMBER able about what is happening in the district A2: Ultimately, the board, working with the -UNEXPIRED TERM ENDING with regards to academic progress, curricu- superintendent, should set the policies, POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: In my political lum focus, financial stability and policies. goals/objectives and measurements for the philosophy, our public education system is 12-31-2021: Transparency is key to having trust in one’s district and then let the superintendent and critical. Public schools should be responsible 1 to be elected: schools. staff implement the plan. The board should for creating more equal opportunities in life not be engaged in the day-to-day operations for children. All children should graduate Pamela Bowers A4: true of the district but should hold the administra- from high school with real and meaningful A5: - no response - tion accountable for the performance of the choices about the paths they travel in life. EDUCATION: Tennessee schools. They should graduate academically ready for State University, Master of A6: 3 Science Degree in Guidance A3: A board member needs to spend time college so that the choice of college is a real A7: - no response – one for all kids; they should also graduate and Counseling; Concen- hearing from the families and educators they with real and meaningful exposure to careers tration in Mental Health Gary Favors are elected to serve and not solely depend- in the trades and the military Counseling, Fisk University, Bachelor of ing on a superintendent and his/her agenda. Arts Degree in Psychology, Mt. Healthy High EDUCATION: *Bachelor of A CPS board member has an obligation to QUESTIONS: School Arts in Communication – question the agenda and advocate for those A1: Families today have very different OCCUPATION: Licensed Mental Health Carson-Newman College, in the trenches of public education. We must experiences with CPS. It works well for some Counselor Licensed Chemical Dependency Jefferson City, TN *Masters also build relationships with Cincinnati City families but not yet for everyone. Our biggest Counselor of Education in Administra- Council and City Administration to provide a challenge is making sure that all children – tion Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH *Mas- smooth transition for our students in to the regardless of zip code – have access to an EXPERIENCE: Central Clinic Behavioral ters of Arts in Teaching – Northern Kentucky workforce. excellent public school in Cincinnati. We need Health Services, Chatfield College- Adjunct University, Highland Heights, KY A4: false to preserve what CPS does well while fighting Instructor, Every Child Succeeds, Beech Acres OCCUPATION: Intervention Specialist for to ensure that every student graduates from Partial Hospitalization (Ujima Program) A5: The 3 year plan does not contain a Cincinnati Public Schools - Gamble Montes- high school with real and meaningful choices specific academic component. The focus is ENDORSEMENTS: Cincinnati Democratic sori HS about their future. Committee, Cincinnati Federation of Teach- on building community engagement and part- EXPERIENCE: A diverse background of nerships in the “hope” that this engagement A2: The job of the board is to inform the ers, Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus, AFL- military service, higher education, PK-12 edu- would translate into academic performance overarching vision and direction of the CIO Labor Council, Equality Cincinnati Political Action Committee cation and leadership experience. I believe growth.

08 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG A6: 3 CPS ranked 572 of 608 Ohio districts. CPS received a D on the recent state report A7: I have not seen the data to support a card. It received- F in Progress, an F in successful program. Graduation, and a D in Achievement. 31 CPS What ID to Bring When You Vote Steve Megerle schools received a failing grade. 45% of CPS graduates attend college. CPS must expand Ohio law requires that every voter, upon appearing at the polling place EDUCATION: Covington vocational & technical education programs to vote on Election Day, must announce his or her full name and Independent and Kenton to all neighborhood high schools empowering current address and provide proof of identity. County public schools (grade non-college bound children to succeed. school) Covington Catholic A2: A board member’s primary role is to set The forms of identification that may be used by a voter who appears at High School, Park Hills, Ken- districtwide policy, review the Superinten- a polling place to vote on Election Day include: tucky, (1998) Canisius College, Buffalo New dent’s performance, and ensure the Treasurer York, B.A. w Honors (English and History) is a fiscally prudent steward of taxpayer An unexpired Ohio driver’s license or state identification card (2002) Ohio Northern University College of dollars and the district’s $620MM budget. with present or former address so long as the voter’s present Law, Ada, Ohio, Juris Doctor, (2004) The board of education must set lofty goals residential address is printed in the official list of registered OCCUPATION: Attorney, small business and hold the leadership accountable to goals voters for that precinct; owner engaging in regular performance evaluations. A board member must ask tough questions, A military identification; ENDORSEMENTS: Greater Cincinnati Right be held accountable as an advocate for the to Life parents, children, and taxpayers the primary A photo identification that was issued by the United POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY: My political district stakeholders. States government or the State of Ohio, that contains philosophy is center right. I believe in solving A3: I will communicate the truth, we need to the voter’s name and current address and that has an problems and getting things done. I believe if transform our educational system. Education expiration date that has not passed; given the opportunity, one should serve oth- is the civil rights issue of the 21st century. ers and use your talents for the betterment A one size fits all education system doesn’t An original or copy of a current utility bill with the voter’s of community. work today. For too long our failing education name and present address; BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: I am a proud system has flown under the radar of the pub- Cincinnatian. lic and the media. As a school board member An original or copy of a current bank statement with the I will communicate directly with the public voter’s name and present address; WORK EXPERIENCE: I am a respected legal when needed. We must support expanding practitioner in Kentucky for over 14 years. An original or copy of a current government check with the vocational and technical education, expand I have solved everyday people’s problems school vouchers districtwide, and end other voter’s name and present address; my entire professional life. I have tried civil, inequities. family law, construction, and criminal cases. I An original or copy of a current paycheck with the voter’s am also an accomplished appellate advocate A4: false name and present address; or in federal and state courts. I left private A5: The 3-year strategic plan’s preference practice in 2018 returning to public service An original or copy of a current other government of military readiness above vocational and at Cincinnati City Hall. I served as chief of technical education is severely misguided. document (other than a notice of voter registration mailed staff to a newly elected councilmember. Daily, Vocational & technical education will provide by a board of elections) that shows the voter’s name and I solved citizen concerns and problems while real skills for children to rise out of poverty managing a staff. present address. into the middle class. EMPLOYER: Megerle Law, Golden Griffin For utility bills, bank statements, government checks, paychecks, and A6: 3 Enterprises, LLC (a closely held LLC with other government documents, “current” is defined as within the last a diverse real estate portfolio including a A7: Empirical data is not yet be available to 12 months.“Utility bill” includes a cell phone bill. “Other government restaurant. It employs 9 people.) show positive outcomes of the Pre-School Promise. Barriers now exist preventing document” includes license renewal and other notices, fishing and QUALIFICATIONS: I am uniquely qualified certification of home-run daycares. Those marine equipment operator’s license, court papers, or grade reports or to usher in transformational change needed impediments must be removed so neighbor- transcripts. “Government office” includes any local (including county, to fix our failing CPS schools. I have the hood daycares can flourish. passion, energy, and devotion to serve our city, township, school district and village), state or federal (United children, parents, and taxpayers so every States) government office, branch, agency, commission, public college child has a chance to succeed at CPS. or university or public community college, whether or not in Ohio. POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Covington (Ken- Provisional ballots: If you do not have any of the above forms of tucky) City Commissioner, 2007-2009 identification, you may provide either your Ohio driver’s license or AFFILIATIONS: St. Francis De Sales Catholic state identification number (which begins with two letters followed Church, Mercantile Library (Member), Re- publican Party, Federalist Society (Cincinnati by six numbers) or the last four digits of your Social Security number & Northern Kentucky Chapter), Bluegrass and cast a provisional ballot. Once the information is reviewed and Institute for Public Policy Solutions (Board verified by the board of elections, your ballot will be counted. Member), North Avondale Neighborhood As- See Vote411.org for information Above all, if you are sure you are at the correct polling precinct and sociation (Past Trustee, Treasurer) candidates may have added QUESTIONS: voting a regular ballot is not an option for whatever reason, don’t leave after print deadline the polls without voting a provisional ballot. A1: We have an educational crisis in our midst. CPS desperately needs transforma- tional change & new leadership. In 2018

WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG 09 not exceeding two and one-half (2.5) mills for mechanical resuscitators, underwater BALLOT ISSUES each one dollar of valuation, which amounts ISSUE 7 VILLAGE OF NORTH rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire ISSUES BY DISTRICT: to twenty-five cents ($0.25) for each one BEND – TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) equipment and appliances, buildings and hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing – 4.79ML 5YR – FIRE/EMS sites therefor, or sources of water supply VILLAGE / TOWNSHIP ISSUES (11) period of time, commencing in 2019, first and materials therefor, for the establishment due in calendar year 2020. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for and maintenance of lines of fire-alarm com- passage. munications, for the payment of firefight- ISSUE 1 VILLAGE OF ADDYSTON ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY – TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) – 2.5 An additional tax for the benefit of the Village ing companies or permanent, part-time, or ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY volunteer firefighting, emergency medical ML 5 YR – FIRE AND EMERGEN- of North Bend for the purpose of providing ISSUE 4 VILLAGE OF GOLF and maintaining fire apparatus, mechani- service, administrative, or communications CY MEDICAL SERVICES cal resuscitators, underwater rescue and personnel to operate the same, including MANOR – TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) the payment of any employer contributions A majority affirmative vote is necessary for recovery equipment, or other fire equipment required for such personnel under section passage. – 7 ML 5 YR – COE and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code, for A majority affirmative vote is necessary for or sources of water supply and materials A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Vil- the purchase of ambulance equipment, for passage. therefor, for the establishment and mainte- lage of Addyston for the purpose of providing nance of lines of fire-alarm communications, the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or and maintaining emergency services includ- A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Vil- for the payment of firefighting companies or other emergency medical services operated ing but not limited to police and fire services, lage of Golf Manor for the purpose of current permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefight- by a fire department or firefighting company, hydrants, supplies, and materials therefor, or operating expenses at a rate not exceeding ing, emergency medical service, adminis- or for the payment of other related costs at contractual services therefore or to provide seven (7) mills for each one dollar of valua- trative, or communications personnel to a rate not exceeding five (5) mills for each emergency medical services operated by an- tion, which amounts to seventy cents ($0.70) operate the same, including the payment of one dollar of valuation, which amounts to fifty other fire department or firefighting company for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for any employer contributions required for such cents ($0.50) for each one hundred dollars pursuant to contract at a rate not exceeding five (5) years, commencing in 2019, first due personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in two and one-half (2.5) mills for each one dol- in calendar year 2020. of the Revised Code, for the purchase of 2019, first due in calendar year 2020. lar of valuation, which amounts to twenty-five ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY ambulance equipment, for the provision of ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY cents ($0.25) for each one hundred dollars ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in medical services operated by a fire depart- 2019, first due in calendar year 2020. ISSUE 5 VILLAGE OF GREEN- ment or firefighting company, or for the ISSUE 10 MIAMI TOWNSHIP ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY payment of other related costs at a rate not HILLS – TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) – exceeding four and seventy-nine hundredths (UNINCORPORATED) – TAX ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY 1.5 ML 5 YR – ROAD IMPROVE- (4.79) mills for each one dollar of valuation, LEVY (REPLACEMENT AND IN- ISSUE 2 VILLAGE OF ARLINGTON MENTS which amounts to forty seven and nine-tenths CREASE) – 3.5 ML 5 YR – FIRE cents ($0.479) for each one hundred dollars HEIGHTS – TAX LEVY (RENEW- A majority affirmative vote is necessary for of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in A majority affirmative vote is necessary for AL) – 9 ML 5 YR – COE passage. 2019, first due in calendar year 2020. passage. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY A replacement of one (1) mill of an existing Village of Greenhills for the purpose of road levy and an increase of two and one-half (2.5) passage. ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY improvement at a rate not exceeding one mills, to constitute a tax for the benefit of A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the and one-half (1.5) mills for each one dollar ISSUE 8 VILLAGE OF NORTH Miami Township for the purpose of providing Village of Arlington Heights for the purpose of valuation, which amounts to fifteen cents fire service at a rate not exceeding three of current operating expenses at a rate not ($0.15) for each one hundred dollars of valu- BEND – TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) and one-half (3.5) mills for each one dollar of exceeding nine (9) mills for each one dollar ation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2019, – 2ML 5YR – PUBLIC SAFETY valuation, which amounts to thirty-five cents of valuation, which amounts to ninety cents first due in calendar year 2020. SERVICES ($0.35) for each one hundred dollars in valu- ($0.90) for each one hundred dollars of valu- ation for five (5) years, commencing in 2019, ❏ ation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2020, FOR THE TAX LEVY A majority affirmative vote is necessary for first due in calendar year 2020. first due in calendar year 2021. ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY passage. ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY An additional tax for the benefit of the Village ISSUE 6 VILLAGE OF LINCOLN ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY HEIGHTS – TAX LEVY (RENEW- of North Bend for the purpose of providing public safety services at a rate not exceed- ISSUE 11 MIAMI TOWNSHIP ISSUE 3 VILLAGE OF CLEVES AL) – 16 ML 5 YR – CE ing two (2) mills for each one dollar of valua- (UNINCORPORATED) – TAX LEVY – TAX LEVY (ADDITIONAL) – tion, which amounts to twenty cents ($0.20) A majority affirmative vote is necessary for (REPLACEMENT) – 0.5 ML 5 YR 2.5ML CPT – FIRE/EMS passage. for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2019, first due – POLICE A majority affirmative vote is necessary for A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the in calendar year 2020. passage. Village of Lincoln Heights for the purpose of A majority affirmative vote is necessary for current expenses at a rate not exceeding ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY passage. An additional tax for the benefit of the Village sixteen (16) mills for each one dollar of valu- ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY of Cleves for the purpose of providing for the A replacement of a tax for the benefit of ation, which amounts to one dollar and sixty Miami Township for the purpose of providing payment of firefighting and emergency medi- cents ($1.60) for each one hundred dollars ISSUE 9 VILLAGE OF WOOD- cal services including firefighting companies police protection at a rate not exceeding of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in LAWN – TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) one-half (0.5) mill for each one dollar of valu- or permanent, part-time, emergency medical 2020, first due in calendar year 2021. service, administrative, or communications – 5ML 5YR – FIRE/EMS ation, which amounts to five cents ($0.05) for each one hundred dollars in valuation, for personnel to operate the same and for the ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY A majority affirmative vote is necessary for five (5) years, commencing in 2019, first due provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY passage. emergency medical services operated by a in calendar year 2020. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the fire department or firefighting company, or for Village of Woodlawn for the purpose of ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY the payment of other related costs at a rate providing and maintaining fire apparatus, ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY

10 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG SCHOOL ISSUES (7) support their programs and goals. If passed, 3. Levy an additional property tax to pay cur- this levy will not raise taxes. It will be used to ISSUE 14 FOREST HILLS LOCAL rent operating expenses at a rate not exceed- ISSUE 12 CINCINNATI CITY maintain the quality programs and up-to-date SCHOOL DISTRICT – TAX LEVY ing six and ninety-five hundredths (6.95) mills SCHOOL DISTRICT – TAX LEVY technology that are so necessary for today’s (ADDITIONAL) – 4.7ML CPT – for each one dollar of tax valuation, which students. amounts to sixty-nine and five-tenths cents (RENEWAL) – 10.06 ML 10 YR – COE ($0.695) for each one hundred dollars of tax ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE TAX LEVY: EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS valuation, for a continuing period of time? Passage of a ten-year renewal cycle deprives A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for the voters of the critical oversight of CPS’s ❏ FOR THE BOND ISSUE AND LEVIES passage. budget and operational practices that citizens An additional tax for the benefit of the Forest ❏ AGAINST THE BOND ISSUE AND LEVIES Shall a levy renewing an existing levy be may now employ every five years on the cur- Hills Local School District, Counties of Ham- imposed by the Cincinnati City School District rent renewal cycle. ilton and Clermont, Ohio, for the purpose of ISSUE 16 NORTHWEST LOCAL current operating expenses at a rate not ex- for the purpose of PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUE 13 FINNEYTOWN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT – TAX LEVY EMERGENCY REQUIREMENTS OF THE ceeding four and seven-tenths (4.7) mills for (ADDITIONAL) – 7.5 ML 10 SCHOOL DISTRICT in the sum of sixty-five SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND IS- each one dollar of valuation, which amounts million one hundred seventy-eight thousand SUE AND TAX LEVY – 7.19 ML to forty-seven cents ($0.47) for each one YR – AVOIDING AN OPERATING hundred dollars of valuation, for a continuing dollars ($65,178,000) and a levy of taxes 37 YR & 0.5 ML 23 YR – CON- DEFICIT to be made outside of the ten-mill limitation period of time, commencing in 2019, first STRUCTION & MAINTENANCE due in calendar year 2020. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for estimated by the county auditor to average passage. ten and six hundredths (10.06) mills for each A majority affirmative vote is necessary for ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY Shall a levy be imposed by the Board of Edu- one dollar ($1.00) of valuation, which is one passage. ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY dollar and six tenth cents ($1.006) for each cation of the Northwest Local School District one hundred dollars of valuation, for a period Shall bonds be issued by the Finneytown ISSUE 15 LOVELAND CITY for the purpose of avoiding an operating Local School District for the purpose of of ten (10) years, commencing in 2020, first SCHOOL DISTRICT – BOND IS- deficit in the sum of eleven million, three- due in calendar year 2021? new construction, improvements, renova- hundred ninety-seven thousand, one-hundred tions and additions to school facilities, SUE AND TAX LEVIES – 6.42ML dollars ($11,397,100) and a levy of taxes ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY site acquisition and providing equipment, 37YR & 3.41 ML CPT & 6.95 to be made outside of the ten-mill limitation ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY furnishings and site improvements therefor, estimated by the county auditor to average in the principal amount of twenty-seven mil- ML CPT – IMPROVEMENTS AND LEAGUE EXPANATION: At its June 10, 2019 seven and one-half (7.5) mills for each one lion eight hundred seventy thousand dollars meeting, the Cincinnati Public Schools Board COE dollar of valuation, which amounts to seventy- ($27,870,000), to be repaid annually over a passed a resolution to place this levy on five ($0.75) cents for each one hundred maximum period of thirty-seven (37) years, A majority affirmative vote is necessary for the November, 2019 ballot. It is a renewal dollars of valuation, for a period of ten (10) and an annual levy of property taxes be made passage. of a 5-year, 10.06-mill levy that voters have years, commencing in 2019, first due in outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated by renewed three times, most recently in 2014. Shall the Loveland City School District be calendar year 2020? the county auditor to average over the repay- If this renewal is passed by voters, it will authorized to do the following: ment period of the bond issue seven and ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY yield $65,178,00 per year for a period of 10 1. Issue bonds for the purpose of con- nineteen hundredths (7.19) mills for each ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY years, first due in calendar year 2021. The structing school facilities and renovating one dollar of tax valuation, which amounts to CPS Board determined that a ten-year levy and improving existing school facilities, seventy-one and nine-tenths cents ($0.719) ISSUE 17 PRINCETON CITY period will allow for better long-range planning including safety and security improvements; for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, SCHOOL DISTRICT – TAX LEVY and budgeting in addition to saving the time, furnishing and equipping the same; improv- commencing in 2019, first due in 2020, to energy, and dollars that must be expended in ing the sites thereof; and acquisition of land (ADDITIONAL) – 4.25ML CPT - pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, five-year levy renewal cycles. and interests in land necessary in connec- and to pay debt charges on any notes issued COE tion therewith, in the principal amount of As a renewal, this levy will not raise taxes. in anticipation of those bonds? An additional tax for the benefit of the one hundred eighteen million five hundred Princeton City School District for the purpose BACKGROUND: Since 2013, Cincinnati Pub- and fifteen thousand dollars ($118,515,000), to lic Schools (CPS) enrollment has increased of current operating expenses at a rate not Shall an additional tax be levied for the be repaid annually over a maximum period by 4,462. While this increase is positive, exceeding four and twenty-five hundredths benefit of the Finneytown Local School of thirty-seven (37) years, and levy a property maintaining reasonable class sizes, retaining (4.25) mills for each one dollar of valuation, District for the purpose of providing funds for tax outside the ten-mill limitation, estimated and hiring adequate teachers and staff, and which amounts to forty-two and five-tenths maintaining classroom facilities at a rate not by the county auditor to average over the providing up-to-date learning materials have cents ($0.425) for each one hundred dollars exceeding one half of one (0.5) mill for each bond repayment period six and forty-two required the district to stretch its funding of valuation, for a continuing period of time, one dollar of valuation, which amounts to five hundredths (6.42) mills for each one dollar to meet the demand. Meanwhile, many commencing in 2019, first due in calendar cents ($0.05) for each one hundred dollars of tax valuation, which amounts to sixty-four operational expenses rise as CPS strives to year 2020. of valuation, for a period of twenty-three (23) and two-tenths cents ($0.642) for each one serve its student population effectively e.g., years, commencing in 2019, first due in hundred dollars of tax valuation, to pay the ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY transportation of more students, additional 2020? annual debt charges on the bonds, and to ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY pre-school classes, benefits for additional pay debt charges on any notes issued in staff at all levels, safe and secure learning ❏ FOR THE BOND ISSUE AND THE TAX anticipation of those bonds? ISSUE 18 SYCAMORE COMMU- environments, and rapidly advancing technol- LEVY 2. Levy an additional property tax to provide NITY CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ogy. These services all impact CPS’s budget ❏ AGAINST THE BOND ISSUE AND THE funds for the acquisition, construction, significantly. If voters approve this levy, the TAX LEVY – BOND ISSUE – 4 ML 30 YR – funds yielded will provide operating dollars to enlargement, renovation, and financing of CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVE- meet the needs of CPS’s students. permanent improvements at a rate not exceeding three and forty-one hundredths MENTS ARGUMENTS FOR THE TAX LEVY: Passage (3.41) mills for each one dollar of valuation, A majority affirmative vote is necessary for of this levy will enable CPS’s Board and staff which amounts to thirty-four and one-tenths passage. to engage in long-range planning and budget- cents ($0.341) for each one hundred dollars ing by assuring a stable level of funding for of valuation, for a continuing period of time? ten years, while providing needed funds to CONTINUES ON PAGE 12 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG 11 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY • Supports County Prison Reentry Pro- (5) years, commencing in 2019, first due in ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY grams, facilities security provided by the calendar year 2020. Shall bonds be issued by the Sycamore Com- Sheriff, Probation and Municipal Courts, ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY munity City School District for the purpose of COUNTY ISSUES (2) the Drug Free Communities Program, and new construction, improvements, renova- Treatment Court Staff programs. ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY tions, and additions to school facilities, and ISSUE 20 HAMILTON CO. - TAX LEAGUE EXPLANATION: Issue 21 is a providing equipment, furnishings, and site BACKGROUND: The Family Services and LEVY (RENEWAL) – 0.34ML 5YR Treatment levy was first approved in 2009 to proposed 4.13 mills flat property tax levy on development and improvements, and all residential and commercial property in Hamil- necessary appurtenances therefor, in the - FAMILY SERVICES & TREAT- continue funding for programs previously pro- vided for in an expired levy. The most recent ton County to provide funding for services for principal amount of one hundred twenty- MENT PROGRAMS infants, children, and adults with develop- seven million five hundred thousand dollars renewal was passed in 2014. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for mental disabilities. The levy is estimated to ($127,500,000), to be repaid annually over The opiate epidemic has grown more severe passage. provide revenue of around $75 million annu- a maximum period of thirty (30) years, and since the 2014 renewal and continues to be ally for Developmental Disabilities Services an annual levy of property taxes be made out- A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Hamilton a burden on the local county services. This (DDS) for 5 years. side of the ten-mill limitation, estimated by County, Ohio for the purpose of SUPPLE- levy provides funding for programs that offer the county auditor to average over the repay- MENTING THE GENERAL FUND TO PROVIDE treatment, interventions, and supports to It will cost the owner of a property valued ment period of the bond issue four (4) mills FAMILY SERVICES AND TREATMENT PRO- help these individuals return to society as at $100,000 approximately $114 annually, for each one dollar of tax valuation, which GRAMS, INCLUDING THOSE CURRENTLY productive citizens. which is the current annual cost. amounts to forty cents ($0.40) for each one PROVIDED BY TALBERT HOUSE, at a rate TAX LEVY REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOM- The Hamilton County Commissioners placed hundred dollars of tax valuation, commencing not exceeding thirty-four hundredths (0.34) MENDATIONS: the levy on the ballot at the request of DDS in 2019, first due in calendar year 2020, to mills for each one dollar of valuation, which and upon recommendation of the County Tax pay the annual debt charges on the bonds, amounts to three and four-tenths cents The Public Consulting Group was con- Levy Review Committee. and to pay debt charges on any notes issued ($0.034) for each one hundred dollars of tracted by the Tax Levy Review Committee in anticipation of those bonds? valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in to perform an in-depth review of the entities WHAT THE LEVY WILL DO: Property tax levy 2019, first due in calendar year 2020. and agencies that receive levy funding. The funding provides approximately 78% of the ❏ FOR THE BOND ISSUE consultants evaluated expenditures of each DDS budget. Levy funding allows DDS to pay ❏ AGAINST THE BOND ISSUE ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY of the agencies that received funding from the matching funds required to access Med- ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY the levy through 2018. The Tax Levy Review icaid Waivers, thereby securing around $92 OTHER DISTRICT ISSUES (1) million in federal funding. The federal funds LEAGUE EXPLANATION: The family Services Committee’s recommendations for changes are reinvested in our local economy as pay- and Treatment (FST) levy is a renewal of an in management and distribution of funds ISSUE 19 HILLTOP JOINT FIRE ment to providers for services. About 8,000 existing levy of 0.34 mills on residential and through 2024 were based on this review. individuals and families receive services AND RESCUE DISTRICT – TAX commercial property for family services and Several recommendations dealt with improv- including case management, schools, adult LEVY – ADDITIONAL – 13.9ML treatment programs for five years beginning ing aspects of contract administration and centers, infant therapy, family support, and in 2019, first due in 2020. CPT – FIRE AND EMERGENCY data collection. Other notable recommenda- housing support. MEDICAL SERVICES It will cost the owner of property valued at tions: BACKGROUND: DDS is a county organiza- $100,000 approximately $10.20 annually, A majority affirmative vote is necessary for Maximize federal revenue opportunities tion, established and required by state law which is the current annual cost. The Ham- passage. to serve people with developmental and ilton County Commissioners placed the levy Increase treatment bed and detoxification intellectual disabilities in Hamilton County. An additional tax for the benefit of the Hilltop on the ballot following a review by the Public capacity Developmental disabilities are disabilities Joint Fire and Rescue District for the purpose Consulting Group (PCG) and upon recom- Evaluate revenue allocation and increase manifested before the age of 22 and include of providing and maintaining fire appara- mendation of the County Tax Levy Review percentage used for prevention programs lifelong intellectual or physical disabilities. tus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater Committee. rescue and recovery equipment, or other fire Identify individuals eligible for sentencing Services are provided to infants, children, WHAT THE LEVY WILL DO: The levy funds equipment and appliances, buildings and alternatives based on risk assessment and adults with developmental disabilities. alternatives to incarceration that educate, sites therefor, or sources of water supply DDS assists in infant therapy, family support, rehabilitate, and retrain offenders who have and materials therefor, for the establishment ISSUE 21 HAMILTON CO. - TAX housing support, case management, and alcohol and drug addiction and mental illness and maintenance of lines of fire-alarm com- LEVY - (RENEWAL) – 4.13ML the operation of two schools. DDS provides associated with criminal behaviors under a munications, for the payment of firefight- support to individuals and families making county policy to reduce recidivism and pre- 5YR - DEVELOPMENTAL DIS- ing companies or permanent, part-time, or the transition from childhood to adulthood. serve limited jail space for the most serious volunteer firefighting, emergency medical ABILITIES DDS also partners with Goodwill Industries, offenders. The levy also supports community service, administrative, or communications A majority affirmative vote is necessary for Starfire Council, and several day-programming based anti-drug programs. The levy would personnel to operate the same, including passage. providers. produce approximately $6 million a year for the payment of any employer contributions five years for Talbert House programs and A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Hamilton DDS has saved $2.9 million annually by required for such personnel under section other agencies. County, Ohio for the purpose of PROVID- adopting an Early Retirement Incentive Plan. 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code, for ING FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY MENTAL DDS also re-worked education agreements the purchase of ambulance equipment, for The Family Services and Treatment levy: RETARDATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL and transitioned its Adult Centers to reduce the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or • Provides judges in the Municipal courts DISABILITIES PROGRAMS, INCLUDING transportation costs. Tuition at the DDS other emergency medical services operated with alternatives at sentencing that help THE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF schools increased from $35,000 to $50,000 by a fire department or firefighting company, reduce recidivism by treating alcohol and SCHOOLS, WORKSHOPS, CLINICS, RESI- over the last levy period. In addition to oper- or for the payment of other related costs at drug addiction and mental health issues. DENTIAL FACILITIES AND SUCH OTHER ating schools, the staff works with the school a rate not exceeding thirteen and nine-tenths SERVICES at a rate not exceeding four and districts to develop satellite classrooms and (13.9) mills for every one dollar of valuation, • Pays for the services of selected non- thirteen-hundredths (4.13) mills for each provide itinerant support. which amounts to one dollar and thirty-nine profit agencies such as Talbert House, one dollar of valuation, which amounts to cents ($1.39) for each one hundred dollars PreventionFIRST, and Central Community DDS is exploring shared service opportuni- forty-one and three-tenths cents ($0.413) for of valuation, for a continuing period of time, Health Board. All were evaluated in the ties with Hamilton County Mental Health and each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five commencing in 2019, first due in calendar PCG review. Recovery Services Board, Council on Aging, year 2020. and neighboring counties. The Comprehen-

12 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG sive Continuance Improvement Plan grant Transit Authority (SORTA), which operates the Shall the sale of beer and intoxicating liquor from the Ohio Department of Education will METRO bus system. If passed, this charter at 1197 West Galbraith Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio ISSUE 26 CITY OF FOREST PARK be eliminated by the end of the 2019-2020 amendment would provide that the overall 45231, which was adjudged to be a nuisance – PROPOSED ORDINANCE GAS school year. City earnings tax rate would be reduced from to the public by Hamilton County Court of AGGREGATION 2.1% to 1.8% contingent on the passage of Common Pleas on June 3, 2019, be permit- During the new levy period, DDS will imple- a County sales tax in 2020 to fund SORTA. ted in this precinct? A majority affirmative vote is necessary for ment new strategies to provide housing for The amendment provides that, as long as a passage. emergency respite and to individuals who ❏ YES County sales tax for SORTA remains in effect, have been involved in the justice system or Shall the City of Forest Park have the author- the 0.3% earnings tax for public transit would ❏ NO who have addiction issues. ity to aggregate the retail natural gas loads not be levied. located in the City of Forest Park, and for DDS is overseen by a Board of Directors: ISSUE 24 CITY OF CHEVIOT – BACKGROUND: Since 1972 the City of that purpose, enter into service agreements Five members are appointed by the County TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) – 5.61 ML Cincinnati has dedicated 0.3% of its earnings to facilitate for those loads the sale and Commissioners and two are appointed by tax for public transit purposes. The City earn- 5 YR – CE purchase of natural gas, such aggregation to the Probate Judge. The Board appoints the ings tax is paid by any person who lives and/ occur automatically except where any person Superintendent who reports to the Hamilton A majority affirmative vote is necessary for or works in the City of Cincinnati. The money elects to opt out? County Commissioners. A 1967 Ohio law passage. raised from the dedicated transit earnings mandated establishment of County Boards of ❏ YES tax is no longer sufficient to fund needed A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Developmental Disabilities. The first property ❏ NO improvements for the METRO bus system run City of Cheviot for the purpose of current tax levy in support of programs and services by SORTA and to extend more routes within expenses at a rate not exceeding five and in Hamilton County passed in 1974 and has ISSUE 27 CITY OF FOREST and beyond City limits. The SORTA Board de- sixty-one hundredths (5.61) mills for each been renewed on a regular basis. The previ- veloped the Reinventing Metro Plan (https:// one dollar of valuation, which amounts to PARK – PROPOSED ORDINANCE ous levy for DDS passed in 2014. reinventingmetro.com) which, if funded and fifty-six and one-tenths cents ($0.561) for ELECTRIC AGGREGATION TAX LEVY REVIEW COMMITTEE (TLRC) implemented, would transform METRO into each one hundred dollars in valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2019, first due in A majority affirmative vote is necessary for REPORT: The TLRC finds DDS to be a well- a regional bus system. The SORTA Board is passage. functioning organization and a good steward planning to place a sales tax on the ballot calendar year 2020. over the monies provided to it through in 2020. Under Ohio law, a regional transit ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY Shall the City of Forest Park have the author- ity to aggregate the retail electric loads levy funds. DDS received a five-year best authority may propose to levy a tax to provide ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY practices accreditation from the state of Ohio for general revenues, regional transportation located in the City of Forest Park, and for Department of Developmental Disabilities. improvement, and public infrastructure proj- ISSUE 25 CITY OF DEER PARK that purpose, enter into service agreements DDS must remain in a good financial position ects. If approved by Hamilton County voters, – PROPOSED CHARTER COM- to facilitate for those loads the sale and so that it does not become reliant on the this sales tax would replace the dedicated purchase of electricity, such aggregation to Hamilton County General Fund to comply with City earnings tax as the means of funding MISSION occur automatically except where any person its mandated services requirements SORTA. A majority affirmative vote is necessary for elects to opt out? passage. ❏ CITY ISSUES (12) ARGUMENTS FOR THE PROPOSED AMEND- YES MENT Shall a commission be chosen to frame a ❏ NO ISSUE 22 CITY OF CINCINNATI charter? The current dedicated City earnings tax ISSUE 28 CITY OF HARRISON – – PROPOSED CHARTER AMEND- doesn’t raise enough money to fund the ❏ YES TAX LEVY (RENEWAL) – 2.4ML MENT – TRANSIT TAX Metro bus system. Replacing this City earn- ❏ NO ings tax with a County sales tax will raise ______5YR – FIRE/EMS A majority affirmative vote is necessary for more money to improve and extend the bus ______A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. system. FOR MEMBERS OF CHARTER COMMISSION passage. Shall Section 6c of Article VIII, “Taxation and Replacing the City earnings tax with a County A renewal of an existing tax for the benefit of Finance,” of the Charter of the City of Cincin- sales tax would be more equitable because (vote for not more than 15) the City of Harrison for the purpose of provid- nati be amended to eliminate 0.3% of the everyone in the County would contribute to Casey Berling ing and maintaining fire apparatus, applianc- City’s earnings tax, if the electors of Hamilton funding SORTA by paying the sales tax. County pass a sales and use tax for general David Chachoff es, buildings, or sites therefor, or sources of ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE PROPOSED water supply and materials therefor, or the revenues for Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Joe Comer Authority bus operations, bus capital improve- AMENDMENT establishment and maintenance of lines of fire alarm telegraph, or the payment of fire- ments, and infrastructure improvements in It is premature to eliminate the dedicated Mark Harris fighting companies or permanent, part-time, Hamilton County, at an election on or before City earnings tax for public transit until the Chris Hedger or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical November 3, 2020? full plan and amount of a replacement County service, administrative, or communications sales tax is known. Mike Icenogle ❏ YES personnel to operate the same, including Jackie Jarvis ❏ NO The City should not give up this reliable the payment of any employer contributions revenue source for the Metro bus system. David Kreuter required for such personnel under section LEAGUE EXPLANATION: This proposed City The dedicated City earnings tax for public 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code, or of Cincinnati Charter Amendment seeks to John Lavelle transit could be increased rather than being the purchase of ambulance equipment, or change the amount of tax which is levied on replaced entirely with a County sales tax. Mark Manning the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or earned income (the “earnings tax”), but only other emergency medical services operated if a certain condition is met. Currently 0.3% Carl Marshall ISSUE 23 CITY OF CINCINNATI by a fire department or firefighting company, of the City of Cincinnati’s earnings tax is dedi- Donna Reno at a rate not exceeding two and four-tenths cated to public transit funding. This portion 23-O – PARTICULAR PREMISES (2.4) mills for each one dollar of valuation, of the City earnings tax would be eliminated LOCAL OPTION Tom Reno which amounts to twenty-four cents ($0.24) if the voters of Hamilton County pass a A majority affirmative vote is necessary for Regina Tassell for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for sales and use tax by the November 2020 passage. election to fund the Southwest Ohio Regional Maryhelen Tegenkamp CONTINUES ON PAGE 14 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG 13 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 O) Requires a Charter Review Commission vide and maintain senior citizens services DEFINITIONS OF BALLOT TERMS be appointed by City Council every ten (10) or facilities at a rate not exceeding one half TAX LEVY: Taxes that are assessed to home- five (5) years, commencing in 2020, first due years to review the document. (0.5) mill for each one dollar of valuation, owners and businesses based on their property in calendar year 2021. which amounts to five cents ($0.05) for each If the Revised Charter is approved by a major- values. These monies are used to fund govern- one hundred dollars of valuation, for five ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY ity of those electors voting at the general ment functions as well as special programs or (5) years, commencing in 2019, first due in activities determined to be of significant benefit to ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY election, Tuesday, November 5, 2019, the calendar year 2020. the citizens. Tax levies may be placed on the ballot Revised Charter will take effect after certifica- for public vote by a government entity (County ISSUE 29 CITY OF LOVELAND – tion of the election results. ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY Commissioners, City Council, and Township Trust- AMENDED CHARTER Shall the proposed revised charter, as re- ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY ees) or taxing authority (School Board, Vocational District, Park Board, Library Board) A majority affirmative vote is necessary for ported by the Charter Review Commission of ISSUE 32 CITY OF NORTH RENEWAL LEVY: A Renewal Levy is the CONTINU- passage. the City of Loveland, be adopted? COLLEGE HILL – PROPOSED ANCE OF AN EXISTING LEVY with the collection The proposed Revised Charter of the City of ❏ YES rate at the same dollar amount as when the levy Loveland is a comprehensive update to the ❏ NO CHARTER AMENDMENT – OPEN was originally approved. City’s Charter. Changes were made to clarify MEETINGS REPLACEMENT LEVY: A replacement levy is a ISSUE 30 CITY OF MILFORD NEW LEVY FOR THE SAME PURPOSE AS THE some sections, to include gender inclusive A majority affirmative vote is necessary for language and to correct inconsistencies in EXISTING LEVY but with a different collection rate – TAX LEVY (RENEWAL W/IN- passage. than the levy it replaces. The collection rate uses the words used throughout the document. CREASE) – 17ML 5YR – FIRE/ Shall Article III, Section 3.05 of the Charter the assessed value of the property at the time of ADDITIONAL CHANGES INCLUDE: EMS for the City of North College Hill be amended the replacement levy. to specify that executive session can only be SUBSTITUTE LEVY: As distinct from the most A) The Director of Finance was previously A majority affirmative vote is necessary for common kinds of operating levies, substitute held for those reasons enumerated by the appointed by and reported directly to City passage. levies are designed to raise a specified amount of Council. The revisions change the position Open Meetings Act, R.C. 121.22(G); and that revenue each year regardless of changes in prop- of the Director of Finance to be appointed by A renewal of twelve and five-tenths (12.5) regular meetings, special meetings, and com- erty valuation over time; the tax rate is changed the City Manager, approved by City Council, mills and an increase of four and five-tenths mittee meetings shall be posted at the City’s each year to offset valuation changes. Replaces and report to the City Manager. (4.5) mills to constitute a tax for the benefit Administrative office and on the City’s primary an existing emergency levy. of the City of Milford, Clermont and Hamil- online calendar at least twenty-four (24) CE: Current Expenses B) The Director of Finance can only be ton Counties, for the purpose of providing hours in advance of meeting; and that spe- COE: Current Operating Expenses removed by a vote of a super majority of City and maintaining fire apparatus, mechani- cial meetings may be called by the Mayor or CPT: Continued Period of Time Council. cal resuscitators, underwater rescue and by any three members of Council by providing EMS: Emergency Medical Services C) The duties of the Director of Finance were recovery equipment, or other fire equip- written notice at least twenty-four (24) hours MILL: The property tax is measured in mills; a mill updated and revised to reflect the duties ment and appliances, buildings, and sites prior to such meeting unless such notice is is one tenth of a cent. This translates to $1 for performed. therefor, or sources of water supply and waived by Council by motion and vote? each $1,000 taxable value of the property. materials therefor, for the establishment MARKET VALUE: The market value of property is ❏ D) The Finance Commission will be created and maintenance of lines of fire-alarm com- YES determined by the County Auditor. The valuation and governed by the Charter. munications, for the payment of firefight- ❏ NO considers regional and neighborhood economic conditions, building improvements and land value. E) The Department of Service was changed ing companies or permanent, part-time, or By state law, there is a full reassessment of each volunteer firefighting, emergency medical ISSUE 33 CITY OF WYOMING – to the Department of Public Works. parcel every six years, followed by a computerized service, administrative, or communications PROPOSED ORDINANCE ELEC- F) The language was revised to make it clear update three years later. The last full reappraisal personnel to operate the same, including that in event of a vacancy in the office of TRIC AGGREGATION in Hamilton County was in 2017 for taxes to be the payment of any employer contributions Mayor, the Vice Mayor will become Mayor for A majority affirmative vote is necessary for paid starting in 2018. required for such personnel under section ASSESSED VALUE: Assessed Value is 35% of the the unexpired term. passage. 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code, for Market Value of a property. In Ohio, property taxes G) Require a review of the City’s Master Plan the purchase of ambulance equipment, for Shall the City of Wyoming have the authority are determined by the Assessed Value. every ten (10) years. the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or to aggregate the retail electric loads located TAX RATE (MILLS): The Full Tax Rate is the total other emergency medical services operated millage for the year, most of which is approved H) Appointments to committees shall be in the City of Wyoming, and for that purpose, by a fire department or firefighting company, by voters in the taxing district. The Effective Tax made by the Mayor and approved by City enter into service agreements to facilitate or for the payment of other related costs at Rate is the annual total millage adjusted to the Council. for those loads the sale and purchase of a rate not exceeding seventeen (17) mills for electricity, such aggregation to occur auto- year it was passed and also reduced by state mandated reductions such as the rollback and the I) After passage, publication of ordinances each one dollar of valuation, which amounts matically except where any person elects to homestead exemption. This is stated in mills, not and resolutions shall be done in a newspaper to one dollar and seventy cents ($1.70) for opt out? dollars. as well as on the City’s website. each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five GAS/ELECTRIC AGGREGATION: Aggregation is (5) years, commencing in 2020, first due in ❏ YES J) The powers and duties of the Board of Zon- ❏ NO the process in which energy is sold to consumers ing Appeals shall be set by City Council. calendar year 2021. who have joined together as a group to buy electric or natural gas. Local governments may aggregate K) Consistent with Ohio law, the City Manager ❏ FOR THE TAX LEVY ❏ AGAINST THE TAX LEVY the energy used by their residents and arrange is not required to live in the City. for the purchase of electricity or natural gas as L) City Council shall have the power to define ISSUE 31 CITY OF NORTH COL- “governmental aggregators.” Ohio law gives local by ordinance the role of executive sessions. governments the option to choose either an opt-in LEGE HILL – TAX LEVY (RE- or opt-out form of aggregation. The “Opt-in” form M) Removed the requirement that the City’s NEWAL) – 0.5ML 5YR – SENIOR requires that each consumer agrees to participate Planning and Zoning Commission meet every in the program before being included in the ag- month. SERVICES gregation pool. It does not require voter approval at an election. The “Opt-out” form automatically N) Adopted the provisions of the Ohio Re- A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage. includes each consumer in the aggregated pool vised Code as it relates to write-in candidates unless the individual affirmatively decides not to and election watchers and challengers. A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the City participate. An aggregation vote requires approval of North College Hill for the purpose to pro- by a majority of the voters at an election.

14 WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG VOTER CHECKLIST THANKS TO ALL THE Due to limited space, we have not listed all the suburban jurisdiction candi- dates for school districts, city council, and township trustees. We encour- VOLUNTEERS FOR PUTTING age voters to view a personalized sample ballot by going to Vote411.org or the Hamilton County Board of Elections website. The sample ballot will THIS GUIDE TOGETHER. also show your judicial district.

Judge of Hamilton County Cincinnati City School District Municipal Court Issue 12 Cincinnati City School (1 to be elected per district) District — Tax Levy (Renewal) District 1 ❏ FOR TAX LEVY League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Co-Presidents: Elizabeth Brown, ❏ ❏ Dwane Mallory AGAINST TAX LEVY Pinky Kocoshis; Voter Service Vice President: Desirae Futel; Voter Guide Editor: District 2 HAMILTON COUNTY ISSUES Desirae Futel, Mary Kate Genis; Vote411.org: Liz Shockey; LWVCA Staff: Hope ❏ John K.Coleman Issue 20 - Tax Levy (Renewal) Fountain ❏ Tyone K. Yates — Family Services & Treatment LWVCA volunteers who assisted with this publication: Nancy Dawley, Pinky Programs Kocoshis, Barbara Chamberlin, Carolyn Miller, Sarah Gidenose, Mary District 3 ❏ FOR TAX LEVY VanAusdall, Elizabeth Brown and our dedicated office volunteers! ❏ Ted Berry ❏ AGAINST TAX LEVY This publication would not be possible without the cooperation and assistance District 4 Issue 21 - Tax Levy (Renewal) — of the Hamilton County Board of Elections: Director of Elections and Deputy ❏ Josh Berkowitz Developmental Disabilities Director of Elections, Sherry Poland and Sally J. Krisel and their staffs. ❏ John Kennedy ❏ FOR TAX LEVY District 5 ❏ AGAINST TAX LEVY ❏ Kari L. Bloom CITY ISSUES ❏ Heather S. Russell Issue 22 City of Cincinnati, District 6 Proposed Charter Amendment, ❏ Mike Peck Transit Tax IS THIS YOU? ❏ FOR TAX LEVY ❏ Arica Underwood ❏ AGAINST TAX LEVY • I like to know what’s happening in my community, in my state and country. District 7 • I want all elections to be conducted fairly. ❏ Gwen Bender Member of Governing Board of • I want voters to have unbiased information about candidates and issues. Educational Service Center Member, Board of Education • I am interested in discussions of public policy. 2 to be elected • I like to have new ways to network with people. Cincinnati City School District ❏ Fred Hunt 3 to be elected If this sounds like you, then we welcome you to check out the League of ❏ Tim Wagner Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area. We’re a grassroots organization that ❏ Eve Bolton includes women and men who value good government and fair elections. Suburban City/Village/Township ❏ Marlena Brookfield Candidates (fill in your choices) Join us! Contact us and let’s talk about your interests! ❏ Heather M. Couch ______513-281-VOTE (8683) ❏ Carolyn Jones [email protected] www.lwvcincinnati.org ❏ Ben Lindy Suburban Board of Education www.facebook.com/lwvcincinnati Candidates (fill in your choices) ❏ Ozie Davis III (Write-in ______1 to be elected — Unexpired term ending 12-31-2021 ______Suburban Local/School Issues ❏ Pamela Bowers (fill in your choices) ❏ Gary Favors ______❏ Steve Megerle ______

WWW.LWVCINCINNATI.ORG 15 In 2020, the League of Women Voters will celebrate it’s first Centenntial along with the 100th anniversary of the MAKE 19th Ammendment! The League is the living legacy of the DEMOCRACY work of the suffragists. Many suffragist organizations reformed into LWV Chapters around the country in 1920, including the WORK®! Cincinnati LWV. We have a unique story to tell during this year of celebration, working for 10 decades for voter education and When you give to the League of Women Voters of the citizen involvement. Our most sacred value is being nonpartisan -- never endorsing Cincinnati Area Education Fund, you make democracy work candidates or political parties. Today, we for our community. With your help, we can continue to offer are known for voter registration, candidate forums, redistricting reform and more. this trusted source free to the public. Support the League Celebrate with us by becoming a member, today with your tax-deductible gift! volunteerting, donating, attending our events, or becoming a sponsor. For more information contact us on social media or Donations can be made via PayPal, debit, or credit card at [email protected] http://www.lwvcincinnati.org/donate.html or via check by completing the form below and mailing it with your check to:

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February 29, 2020 See Vote411.org for information candidates NETHERLAND PLAZA may have added after print deadline Tickets at lwvcincinnati.org/makingdemocracywork